The federal government has been urged to take a more proactive approach to facilitating women’s access to elective offices.
Hajia Lami Tumaka, a former director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), made this appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2024 MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame Induction & International Women’s Leadership Summit.
The event was themed “Gender Equality – Influencing Policies and Upscaling Capacity in the Digital Economy.”
Tumaka emphasised the importance of political parties intentionally reserving certain positions exclusively for women candidates.
She stated, “When discussing providing opportunities for women, we must focus on competent individuals, not just gender. We need women who are capable and can stand on their own.”
She further remarked on the need to allocate a percentage of positions for women, not merely for gender representation, but to ensure that qualified women can contribute meaningfully.
“The government should be intentional in encouraging women to engage in politics. We shouldn’t tell girls that their place is in the kitchen; they are equally capable of achieving what boys can.”
Supporting Tumaka’s viewpoint, Mrs Mary Mamman, a retired deputy director from NIMASA, echoed her sentiments. She urged the government to prioritise women’s abilities rather than their gender.
“We are asking the government to focus on what women can offer. It should not be about whether someone is a woman but about their qualifications and capabilities. Having an all-female team in any role should not be viewed negatively.”
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